I have no eloquent words to share. I may never write anything coherent again.
Lack of sleep, lost brain cells, dry heaving cough, and limited time on the computer without little hands grabbing grabbing everywhere = photo post. You know that's what you want anyway.
On March 1, 2010 her old soul eyes and thin arms had us quite worried. (Referral photo taken mid February.)
On March 3, 2010 this photo put our minds at ease.
And this photo made my heart leap.
One hundred and twenty seven is the number of pictures we received from friends, contacts and aquaintences between March 1st - June 1st. A big number but never enough to fill the hole of waiting, wondering and worrying.
We met our little girl on June 1st, 2010 and took her "home" with us in Ethiopia on June 3rd, 2010. We will never call that day "Gotcha Day." That phrase just seems too glib for the giant, terrifying, overwhelming transition we asked Derartu to make with us. Staying in Ethiopia for three weeks was very hard. There was no quick or fast break from nannies, other children, or staff and so there were many difficult moments along the way and many tiny heartbreaks for D. And for us.
For now a random selection of pictures. We'll go back to the beginning later when I have more time.
Day 1 afternoon. Our meeting timed with Justin and Melissa's meeting baby Galeta, Derartu's friend from the orphanage baby room. (Yes Morgan - she's in THAT dress again!)
Day 2 afternoon. Worried eyes. She was really sick but we didn't know it yet.
Day 3 morning. She took turns sleeping on us. I can't imagine how sick she was feeling. Turns out she had acute bronchitis, raging bacterial infection, eye infection, and two different fungal infections.
Day 6? Taken sometime after she started her medications and began showing her true silly self.
Day 14 afternoon. She loved Dinkanesh - Kelley's kids' nanny at the house.
Day 17 morning. Our last full day in Ethiopia. Celebrating with some traditional dress!
~A
She is a beauty! So glad to hear you are home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference in photos from when she was sick to when she was feeling better. She's lovely!!
ReplyDeleteI have been waiting for this post!!! Morgan forwarded all of your updates to me and I was following along at the edge of my seat. So relieved she is home. With you. Beautiful pics of ____. What did you decide on a name!?!?!?!?!
ReplyDeleteyippee! Wow! I'm just getting caught up.. but I'm so glad you are home. Rest up. You won't remember the next 2 weeks anyway!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Home Amanda! Funny, my son kept sounding out your daughter's name over and over. Must have been because they were crib mates:)
ReplyDeleteWelcome home in the warmest way possible.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Home!! What a precious, perfect little Princess!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEs divina!!! Please book tickets to come and visit in sept
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful. So glad you are all finally home together!
ReplyDeleteShe is so so beautiful! And worth the wait I am sure ;)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! She is so very sweet! God Bless You all.
ReplyDelete